Hundreds Gather in Washington DC with aim to build a first-of-its-kind national advocacy coalition

Washington DC – This week, hundreds of beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), immigrant rights advocates and policy experts have convened in Washington D.C. to speak to legislators about the positive impacts TPS has had on the United States’ economic and social fabric as well as the devastating costs that would result if ended.

In recent months, TPS has come under attack by the Trump administration, threatening to end protections for over 300,000 individuals who currently reside legally in the United States due to the protections.

Ending the temporary protection programs would have devastating economic and social consequences. Thousands of families that have lived in the United States for decades put down their roots and who have become beloved members of their communities will be threatened with deportation.

"We stand with more than 300,000 people who, in renewing their TPS status year after year at considerable cost, persist in their faith that this country will recognize their contributions" said Martha Arevalo, Executive Director of CARECEN-Los Angeles. "TPS has helped these immigrant families establish stable foundations that allowed them to more fully participate in our economy and society. It shows how, given a chance, immigrants step up to help create an optimistic future for all of us."

“By any stretch of the imagination, TPS holders should be the first in line when it comes to pathways to legalization,” said Pablo Alvarado, Executive Director of NDLON. “If there is truly an interest in creating a system where immigrants can ‘pay their dues’ in order to legalize their status, TPS would constitute a model. Those with TPS are deserving of the right to stay in the U.S.”

“Ending TPS protections would return hundreds of thousands of people to countries plagued by violence and insecurity, hurt families in Central America receiving remittances, and put new burdens on already weak economies,” said Adriana Beltrán, WOLA Senior Associate for Citizen Security. “Instead, the United States should continue to work with Central America to build strong effective institutions, prevent violence, and help create the opportunities for youth so that people don't feel forced to migrate for their own safety.”

Abel Nuñez, Executive Director of CARECEN- Washington DC said “The current administration has demonstrated in rhetoric and action that humanitarian relief is not important. Any action that ends TPS will only make conditions worse in the communities where beneficiaries live as well in the countries of origin, deepening conditions that will continue to make people to flee danger.

Background:A newly published report titled “Temporary Protected Status in the United States: The Experiences of Honduran and Salvadoran Immigrants” authored by Dr. Cecilia Menjivar provides a brief overview of who TPS immigrants are, their social and economic activities, and how TPS has benefited their incorporation into American society.